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BORN
1980
DIED
2018
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Derek Chivers Obituary
Derek Joshua Chivers, of Soldotna, was a caring, open-hearted person who always considered raising his daughters, Kenzie and Freyja, with his wife of 11 years, Emily (Witte) Chivers, to be his greatest joy and achievement. Sadly, on Friday, March 16, 2018, Derek passed away at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna, surrounded by family and friends. He was 38.
Born on March 9, 1980, he will be remembered for the passionate and dedicated pursuit of his dream to bring his writing to publication, from reading Stephen King as a boy, to his college years contributing to the opinion column of UAA's Northern Light, to his life post-graduation leading a writing group the past nine years, while learning to master the art of online community building as a mentor for the author site Pitch Wars. A perfectionist at heart, Derek was committed to getting things right the first time. An avid fan of science fiction, with tattoos of the Millennium Falcon and the Death Star, Derek took great delight in organizing an annual viewing party on the opening day of the latest Star Wars movie - an event much anticipated by many friends and family alike.
Derek was preceded in death by his father Clay L. Chivers I; his father-in-law Larry Witte; Uncle Weldon Chivers; Uncle Jerry Boren; Uncle Dan Edwards; Aunt Kathy (Don) Masterson; and Aunt Sandie Erickson. He is survived by his wife Emily and daughters Kenzie and Freyja; his mother Gayle Erickson; his mother-in-law Pam Witte; his brother Clay L. Chivers II and his family; sister-in-law Natalie Witte-Curtis; brothers-in-law Ruben Curtis and Ryan Witte; Uncle Larry Erickson Sr.; Uncle Ed (Phyllis) Erickson; Aunt Connie (Ray) Erola; Aunt Anita (Wayne) Thompson; Aunt Addie (Dale) Benham; Uncle Shawn Kinney; Aunt Shelly Reid and her family; Uncle Randy Chivers and his family; Aunt Coleen Edwards; Aunt Joyce Boren; nephews Ryin Witte and Xxaiden Knowlton; and numerous cousins.
A memorial service will be held at Peninsula Memorial Chapel, 5839 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 24. A reception at Fireweed Hall next to the Soldotna Catholic Church, 222 West Redoubt, will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to "Stop Heroin Start Talking, Inc." or a heroin awareness program of your choice in your area.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Derek Chivers
May 7, 2018
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
A. Wedd
March 29, 2018
Dear family
I am sorry to read about Derek. The loss of a loved one can be grievous and painful for a time. May you find comfort in the promise at John 14:15. My thoughts are with you all.
Sandy Jones
March 24, 2018
My thoughts and are with you. I am so sorry for your loss of Derek way too soon.
Greg Cates
March 23, 2018
Gayle I never met your son, but it was clear from your FB posts and conversations when we got together at family events that you loved him and were so very proud of him. Joyce and I want to express our deepest most sincere sympathy for your devastating loss.
Jimmy Brown
March 22, 2018
Best friend to many. Loving husband and father. Forever in our hearts.
Shelly Reid
March 22, 2018
Rest in Paradise Derek. Love you! Aunt Shelly Reid!
Diane Fielden
March 22, 2018
Our love and prayers for you and your family. Deric was a wonderful man and will be missed dearly,
March 22, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort from the loving promise of seeing our dear loved ones again (John 6:40). Please accept my deepest condolences.
Dennis McKoon
March 22, 2018
We need more people like him in this world , big heart, and big smile.
He will be missed,
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